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Hurricane Sandy has strengthened as it continues in its inexorable path towards New York City and the US east coast’s other largest cities, as financial markets and public transport systems closed and coastal residents fled to higher ground amid warnings of a storm surge of 11ft (3.35m).

Hurricane Sandy has left New York City in virtual lockdown (Picture: AP)

Up to 50million people are set to be affected for several days by the gigantic category one hurricane, which is due to make landfall in New Jersey this evening.

Sandy is also due to collide with two other weather systems, potentially creating a super-storm that could rage over an 800-mile (1,280km) area from the east coast to the Great Lakes.

Winds of up to 90mph (144km/h) are accompanying the storm, blamed for scores of deaths in the Caribbean, while hurricane-strength winds have been recorded up to 175 miles (281km) from its centre.

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More than 7,500 flights have been cancelled because of the hurricane, including transatlantic services by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, while Amtrack suspended train services along the east coast.

Hurricane Sandy bears down on the east coast (Picture: Reuters)

New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg’s message to residents in low-lying areas was succinct, telling them to ‘leave immediately’.

New Jersey governor Chris Christie was even blunter, saying: ‘Don’t be stupid. Get out.’

US president Barack Obama has declared emergencies in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.